HÀ NỘI – The National Administration of Tourism announced a 25.7 per cent increase in the number of tourists, up to more than 7.26 million visitors, compared with the same period last year.

Tourism revenue increased to VNĐ297.16 trillion (US$13.32 billion) in the first nine months, a year-on-year increase of 20.2 per cent, with receipts from international tourists accounting for $8 billion.

Most markets saw positive growth compared with the same period last year, with Northeast Asian markets recording the highest growth, including Hong Kong (79 per cent), China (57.7 per cent), South Korea (39.9 per cent) and Taiwan (15.7 per cent).

The number of tourists from five European countries entitled to visa exemptions maintained two-digit growth, including Italy (31.1 per cent), Spain (27.9 per cent), the United Kingdom (23.1 per cent), Germany (18.6 per cent) and France (13.8 per cent).

Russia was listed among the top 10 markets with the highest growth, with nearly 300,000 arrivals, up by 26.5 per cent.

In the first nine months, the number of domestic tourists reached 48.8 million, including 22.5 overnight guests.

According to the National Administration of Tourism, the rise in the number of international tourists is due to the expansion and development of new resorts, airports and tourist attractions, as well as positive government policies encouraging tourism. Việt Nam is seen as an alternative destination for Thailand or Malaysia for seasonal visitors interested in culture.

In September, the number of foreign visitors surged by 28 per cent compared with the same period last year to reach 813,000 arrivals.

The number of foreign tourist arrivals is expected to reach 10 million this year. —VNS